PaulKraemer
Member
- Join Date
- Jan 2005
- Posts
- 24
Hi,
For a very long time, I have been using Allen-Bradley CompactLogix or ControlLogix PLC's for more complex applications with bigger budgets, and I have been using AutomationDirect PLC's for simpler applications with smaller budgets.
I have not purchased a new PLC since late 2020, when I used a ControlLogix for one application and an AutomationDirect BRX (Do-more) PLC for a small project. I have another small project now for which I need a PLC. I was pretty much set on using an AutomationDirect BRX PLC, but I see that their lead times are extremely long (four months). Tech support told me this is because they are having a very hard time getting the chips that go in to these.
I know that chip shortages have caused issues with many automation products over the last couple years, but I thought this was getting better (granted, without first hand evidence). I am wondering if anyone here can tell me if you have experienced similar lead times with other PLC brands? If these lead times are common with most manufacturers, I'll be able to wait four months. I'm just afraid this might be indicative of an issue specific to AutomationDirect that might make it advisable to go a different direction. The project I'm working on will likely be the first of three similar projects. I'd hate to choose a PLC only to find out that the product line gets retired due to unsolvable problems in a few months.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
For a very long time, I have been using Allen-Bradley CompactLogix or ControlLogix PLC's for more complex applications with bigger budgets, and I have been using AutomationDirect PLC's for simpler applications with smaller budgets.
I have not purchased a new PLC since late 2020, when I used a ControlLogix for one application and an AutomationDirect BRX (Do-more) PLC for a small project. I have another small project now for which I need a PLC. I was pretty much set on using an AutomationDirect BRX PLC, but I see that their lead times are extremely long (four months). Tech support told me this is because they are having a very hard time getting the chips that go in to these.
I know that chip shortages have caused issues with many automation products over the last couple years, but I thought this was getting better (granted, without first hand evidence). I am wondering if anyone here can tell me if you have experienced similar lead times with other PLC brands? If these lead times are common with most manufacturers, I'll be able to wait four months. I'm just afraid this might be indicative of an issue specific to AutomationDirect that might make it advisable to go a different direction. The project I'm working on will likely be the first of three similar projects. I'd hate to choose a PLC only to find out that the product line gets retired due to unsolvable problems in a few months.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Paul